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The Federal Budget is Kind Of a Big Deal Politics is who gets what, when, and how. Put another way: budgeting is a manifestation of politics The Budget is also a roadmap The primary way Congress directs U.S. policy Major impact for R&D and innovation: most basic research, and most university research, is federally funded

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Science + Politics Mingle: One Example Human Genome Project Community takes first interest in mapping/sequencing DOE labs take early govt interest and lead Radiation and computing power DOE labs officials convince dept. managers and advisory groups, OMB, Appropriators NIH sets up its own program Interagency rivalry evolves to collaboration Congress eventually creates NHGRI

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The Federal Budget Cycle Phase 2: OMB performs multi-stage review, responds to agencies (passbacks) Agencies and agency heads can and do negotiate Budget proposals are finalized in January President presents the proposed budget to Congress early February

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The Budget Resolution Overall spending framework Discretionary spending figure is divvied up by appropriations committees Budget resolution is a political document (which is why they cant seem to pass one?)

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The Federal Budget Cycle Approps committees write/approve 12 appropriations bills Bills have to pass both chambers Differences are resolved in conference committee Can be filibustered President proposes, Congress disposes

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What Drives Congressional Budget Decisions? All politics is local Concerns over balance, duplication, competitiveness, role of government Expert and community input Incrementalism? The Big Fiscal Context Annual Miracle